Union of Welsh Independents

The Union of Welsh Independents is made up of some 450 churches, around 28,000 members, over 4,000 children and young people, and 95 ministers. Most of the churches are Welsh speaking.

The churches of the UWI have their roots in the Puritan movement of the 17th century. The first church was established at Llanfaches, in South East Wales in 1639. Throughout our history there has been a strong emphasis on educating and empowering church members who have always been known for their strong social conscience.

“The Union is a free and voluntary body. Its aim is to help, as far as possible, to make churches fellowships that will be free to serve Jesus Christ.” (Dr R Tudur Jones) Today it is a forum for discussion, seeking to encourage the churches to face the challenge of being church in the 21st century, offering resources that can revitalize worship and mission.

Currently the denomination is working on a mission strategy. The AGAPE Programme which has been running since the beginning of 2005 will come to an end in December 2007. It will be followed by another Mission Programme which will run through to 2011 and which will be designed to enable churches to witness more effectively in their communities. Various projects will be undertaken to secure a more holistic approach to mission, and these will include such things as local mission work and evangelism, the environment, alternative forms of ministry and aspects of Christian education.

More information about the Union of Welsh Independents can be found at www.annibynwyr.org